How to make a vision board in 6 easy steps

Have you created a vision board before? It’s one of those projects you think about and then take a while to get started. My husband and I started our vision board project in August 2011. I was super excited because my husband was on board to sit down with me and play with scissors, magazines and thumb tacks. Oh, joy!

For a few months, we ignored the project and watched a whole lotta TV instead of dreaming big. It wasn’t until New Years 2012, when we finally sat down to work on it and complete it.

“BE BOLD IN THE DREAMS YOU DREAM FOR YOUR LIFE.”

I posted a greeting card on my vision board with this saying. I saw the card at Trader Joes for 99 cents, and it spoke to me, so I bought it. During this time in our life, I found dreaming big to be challenging. We were living paycheck to paycheck, and it hurt so much to even dream of wanting anything beyond a dependable car that didn't break down. I talk more about this in my World Domination Summit keynote talk.

Dreaming big is not always easy. Especially being a parent and trying to just survive and provide for your family. But as many leaders say when pursuing your dreams, “Fail often,” and ask the question “What’s the worst case scenario that can happen?”

I can say it’s several years later since I finished my vision board, and now that I look back on it, the vision board was a place to hold my dreams – the one’s I was afraid to say out loud.

One thing that I added to my board was my business card. I wrote on the card: $30,000 a month ($15,000 for me and $15,000 for my business partner). My husband and I did the math, and we’d need $10,000 a month to live an easy, breezy life. I added the $5,000 cushion for taxes and donations. Crazy thing is, we actually hit that goal/dream only 18 months later from writing that number and posting it on my vision board. So I challenge you to dream big, even when it’s hard.

HOW TO MAKE A VISION BOARD

1. Write your goals first.

We listened to Tony Robbins’ Awaken the Giant Within to write out our goals. Here are some categories to consider:

• Personal Goals – self-development, something you would like to learn, spiritual growth, education, health and body
• Career & Economic – how much money you would like to make, what you would like to invest in, your passion job
• Adventure & Toys – fulfill your wish list here, home you would like to own, places you would like to visit
• Contribution – what organizations you would like to support and volunteer for, how you want to give back to your community and the world

2. Gather your materials.

• Blank canvas (poster board or instead of using the ol’ white poster board and tape, use inspiring materials–– we  got our espresso colored cork boards and some fun-looking thumb tacks from Michael’s. Plus, you want to hang your vision board, so make it aesthetically pleasing).
• Nails and a hammer – I find nails to be better for hanging your boards over adhesive tape. The double sided tape screws up your walls and your boards will fall. At least it happened to us. We had to laugh about how are dreams were falling.
• Scissors and tape (or thumb tacks is what I like to use).
• Magazines – Friends and the library are a great resource for getting free magazines. Once my husband saw our magazine options, he resorted to the computer, which is pretty genius. He knew exactly what he wanted, and all he had to do was google image search it and BAM! He just copied his images into a doc, so he could print several images on one page.

3. Cut out images and words.

Look for cut outs in magazines that inspire you on an emotional level. What would it mean to you if you accomplished this dream? Create a pile of all the cut outs and store in an envelope or folder. I love words, so I cut out a lot of words. I also love space and room to breathe, so I allowed one of my boards to do just that. You don’t need to pack your board instantly. You will find as time goes on, you may want to add a photo, a card, or maybe a drawing from your child to tack on to your board. Play your favorite music while you do this step. When you are ready, you can start step #4.

4. Select and arrange your images.

Look through your cut outs and discard the ones you won’t be using. You’ll start to see that some goals in your life are more important to you right now. Keep those images. Recycle your discard pile and magazines. Now start playing with the images on your board to see where the final placement will be. Then grab that glue, tape, or thumb tack and place each image on your board. Let your heart and intuition guide this process.

5. Display your board.

Hang your board in a place you’ll look at frequently. I have mine above my desk. But the bathroom, or closet could be a good place if you want them hidden from company but in a place you know you’ll look at everyday. Or go ahead and be bold and display them in your living room or kitchen!

6. Look at your board daily.

This step is the most important. I noticed I took the time to hang up our vision boards, and then I wasn’t even looking at them. I placed them right where I work everyday above my desk. But I get so consumed in working, I forget to glance up at my dreams. So take a moment to look at your vision board often. Take in each word and image and reflect on your life and intentions. This task will really put your focus and motivation in check for the day.

Remember this project is about you. Let it reflect your true intentions for the year. Listen to your deepest desires and focus on displaying your “heart” goals. You and your dreams are worth it!

Next Steps?

Now that you’ve slowed down enough to connect to your dreams and desires, it’s time to start identifying what’s that next level vision and steps you need to take to make it happen.

If you’d like a mentor in your corner who has experience with selling products online, publishing a book with a traditional publisher, keynote speaking around the world, building a personal brand, and running a brick & mortar business –– I’m your girl!

Learn how you can work with me here.

Warm hugs,